Chapter 1938: Chapter 987: Conspiracy
Extra content, seeking more engagement.
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To the west of Prefecture City, behind the Yamen of the Pacification Command, on the western side, lies the three-entry dwelling of Qian Runfeng, the Tongzhi. At this moment, in the rear courtyard’s Upper Room of the Tongzhi’s residence, Madam Qian and her daughter Qian Yuchan were both seated on the heated kang bed. Beside the kang, on a chair, sat a woman with a Daoist bun, dressed in a blue Daoist robe—it was Yan Daopo.
A trusted maid of Madam Qian hurriedly came in from outside, approached the kang, and reported something in a low voice.
"It’s really Lian Manman who went out? Are you sure?" Qian Yuchan sat up eagerly and questioned.
"Why rush? Let her speak slowly." Madam Qian cast a glance at her daughter and then also asked the maid, "Did you see clearly that it’s Lian Manman and not her mother, Madam Lian?"
"I saw clearly. The people accompanying her are all from the Lian Family, headed towards the Shen Family," the maid reported, "It’s been several days, and Madam Lian hasn’t left the house."
"Madam Lian is recently arrived from the countryside to the city. If she goes out, she’s never alone; either Mr. Lian accompanies her or she has her daughter and son with her." Yan Daopo added from the side.
"So, it’s definitely Lian Manman." Qian Yuchan raised her eyebrows and said, "Mother, don’t you remember? Recently, isn’t the Ninth Miss of the Shen Family, Shen Yi, ill? Lian Manman going to the Shen Family must certainly be to visit Shen Yi. It’s definitely her, she went out!"
As Qian Yuchan said this, she seemed unable to stay seated on the kang, her face lively and excited.
"She gets along well with those two maids from the Shen Family, so she’ll definitely stay long during this trip. Those two maids from the Shen Family know she’ll marry their Sixth Uncle in the future, and they have softened right down to the bone, fawning over a rural girl like that. Neither eye of mine can stand it! In the future, they’ll reap what they sow!" Recalling the embarrassment suffered during a banquet at the Shen home last time because of Shen Yi and Shen Shi, Qian Yuchan spoke with resentment, her eyes almost popping out.
"You child, how many times have I told you? You’re still this impatient." Madam Qian said, "We’re not talking about that now. Remember this well, having such thoughts is one thing, but you can’t show it now. Not only can you not show it, but you have to be even closer with them than before, do you understand?"
"Mother, I understand. Isn’t this just between us at home, with my godmother here, there’s no outsider." Qian Yuchan responded readily, though her facial expression was somewhat disdainful.
As it turned out, at some point, Qian Yuchan had acknowledged Yan Daopo as her godmother.
"Those two maids from the Shen Family must keep Lian Manman at the Shen Family for a meal... This is exactly the opportune moment! Heaven helps me!" Qian Yuchan said with a smile, her eyes turning towards Yan Daopo.
Madam Qian, at this time, was steadier than Qian Yuchan, though her face also showed delight, and she too glanced at Yan Daopo.
"It’s the perfect opportunity; what are you waiting for?" Madam Qian said to Yan Daopo, "You always say that girl never leaves Madam Lian’s side, making it hard to speak with her. Now it’s good, the girl will be away from home for half a day, leaving only the elder at home. Shouldn’t you seize this chance and get things done in one go? There’s not much time left, when Master Shen Liu returns, doing anything else would be challenging. Even if managed, getting away would be difficult."
"This is truly a ’heaven-sent opportunity.’" Qian Yuchan extended her fingers stained with vermilion dye, pointing as she giggled, "It seems Heaven knows she lacks such fortune."
"Godmother," Qian Yuchan turned to Yan Daopo after laughing, "You’ve said that elder trusts you; with you, this matter is as easy as a hand stretch. Godmother, we’ve witnessed your skills over the years, though not in matters as big as this. Now is the time to show what you’re capable of. Godmother, don’t let us down!"
"...Who knew that girl from the Lian Family would be so astute, unwilling to tolerate even a grain of sand in her eyes. I always felt she has some suspicion towards me, haha..." Despite Qian Yuchan’s attempts to incite, Yan Daopo remained composed, instead expressing some difficulty.
"Godmother, do you mean it won’t work?" Qian Yuchan’s expression immediately changed, asking anxiously.
"Why are you rushing!" Madam Qian chided, casting a glance at her daughter before addressing Yan Daopo, "Old Yan, others might not know you, but I sure do! No matter how astute she is or how challenging the situation, it’s difficult for others, but for you, no matter her cleverness or the difficulty, there’s nothing you can’t handle."
